Road making machine



5*) my 1935 J. N. HEL-mm.

ROAD MAKING MACHINE Dea0 l0, 1935. J. N. HELT2EL f 323,472

ROAD 1 MAKING MACHINE Filed gwuemtoc:

N Hmm/ E0, 1935n J. N. HELTZEL. 2,023,472'

ROAD MAKING MACHINE Filed Aug. 15, 195o 5 sheets-sheet s Patented Dec. 10, 1935 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 11 Claims.

The present invention relates to improvements in road making machines and has for an object to provide an improved road making machine for receiving trucks or what are at present vknown as transit mixers for supporting the same in a favorable position above the roadway for the deposit of concrete Without interfering with the action of the subgrader and without involving the usual diiculties encountered in the laying of the surface course by the use of transit "mixers on the base course and reinforcement. Y

One of the principal objections to using transit mixers in connection with road work is the fact that it is diiicult to discharge the material from the drum on two-course work. In accordance with such work, a base course or a rst course of concrete is laid roughly. Next the mesh rein,- forcing is placed. on top of the rst course. The surface course of concrete must then be spread over the mesh reinforcing. Considerabledifli culty arises in the laying of this surface course, it being necessary to provide some ymeans whereby the truck mixer can be elevated and projected over the top of the mesh to discharge 'the' drum of the mixer over the mesh without the wheels of the truck or vehicle coming in contact with the mesh reinforcing.

Another objection to the transit mixer is that a subgrader is required to be used on all high? way work to do the final shaping of the subgrade before the concrete is placed. This :subgrader must be carried immediately preceding the laying of the concrete and this has been found impractical because it interferes with the free movement of the trucks back and forth on the subgrader to transport the mixed concrete.

It is the object of the present invention to eliminate the above difficulties and objections and to provide a supporting device for receiving the truck mixers whereby they may deposit the com crete above and upon the mesh reinforcing Without injury thereto and without any interference with the movement and activity of the subgrader.

With the foregoing and other objects in View, the invention will be described more fully hereinafter and will be pointed out in the appended claims.

In the drawings, in which like parts are Ydenoted by like reference characters throughout the sev: eral views,

Figure 1 is a side elevation, with parts broken away and parts shown in section, of an improved road making machine constructed in accordance with the present invention.

Fig: 2 is .a @911m eFH/@P1911 ,Q the? Same .With the side"forms"shown section. v

Fig. 3 is a top plan view ot the improved ma- :Clh-:

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary perspective view of still another Qconsftruction"ofv sidefform yshowing the concrete lying .iijeent'tl'eretol Figffi is a Afrag:meritary` perspective View of the "met in Process@ formation [Figi '7 is' a ifagmriteiv DeSiwCiii/e View gf the recessedfscreed. H i' a Fig. 8 shows in fragmentary perspective a sec- 15 H011 Qf it@ improved rfiaway- Fig. 9 is perspective view of a.

@me fem: ,Retiring .marc aariiculerlv if? the drawings t. e subgrafder ,is designated generally at I0 and 20 involves" a'beam III which extends transversely of the roadway land Acarries blades I2 Afor engaging the subgrade indicated at I3. The ends of the subgrader beam I I are carried upon trucks .or rol1er`s^l|4 .which arle"`preferably flangedfa's indicated in Fig. 2*,.afnd travel upon the sideforrns i5.' VThe base course Iorffrrst course'is indicated at |56, and over this baseconrse Ais laid the mesh reinforci fg `I'I prior tothe laying lof the lsurface course indicated ,at I8,

The truck or'transit in ixer is designated generally at'l9 and is provided with a mixing and discharge ,2li by which the concrete is mixed .during transit In accordance with the present invention a platform 2 I is provided ,carried upon the sub# grader .beam IIand ,having a transverse move-- thereon, Rollers 2'2`Cqarried by the platform 2| are adapted to roll upon the' upper portion of the beam LII. If desired these rollers 22 40 may ybe'carried by the guides 23 projecting down on npposite'sidres lof `the head ofthe beam I I, and vcooperating with braces .2'4 to support thrust rollers 2 5 `for tengaging at Vopposite sides of kthe beam II to steady andfacilitate the movement of 45 the platform 2l laterally across .the roadway. yA .ramp Sie carried .by .the elatfcrm 2| to enable thevehicle to Yreach the platform. This ramp may becomposed .of the spaced flanged tracks, as shown in Fig. 3, connected at theirlower end 50 portions by `a transverse shoe M271 which moves transversely in .contact with the subgrade I3. On the platform 2 I is a turntable y2,8l rotatable in a substantially horizontal plane about a central pivoty 294, and having roller supports 30 at its outer 55 end. Beyond the turntable 28, that end of the platform 2I opposite to the ramp 26 is formed with upturned ends 3l providing stops for the rear wheels of the truck or transit mixer as indicated in Fig. 1.

As shown in Fig. 2, drums 33 are mounted on opposite end portions of the subgrader on which are wound cables 32 connected to opposite sides of the platform 2l for the purpose of moving the device laterally to new positions. The drums 33 may be rotated by the use of hand wheels 34 through appropriate gearing. The end portions of the subgrader also carry drums 35, operable by hand wheels S5, on which are wound cables 3'1, indicated in Fig. 1, which cables may be attached to stakes S3 driven in the subgrade I3 or ground. By winding the cables 3l upon the drum 35, the subgrader II may be moved forwardly along the subgrade I3. A longitudinal joint installing device 35 is shown as attached to the subgrader I I as by passing through a slot in the intermediate portion of the subgrader beam.

In the operation of the machine, it will be understood that when the trucks approach the ramp 26, the truck is driven with the front end facing the ramp and is run up in position on the turntable 28. The turntable is then revolved either manually or by power until it is in the position as indicated in Fig. l. The trucks I9 or transit mixer may then be backed whereby the rear wheels engage the stops 3l. The drum 2G is then elevated and the material discharged without the wheels of the truck coming in contact with the mesh reinforcing I'I or with the lower part of the concrete I6.

After the contents has been dumped on the subgrade, the truck is in position with the fore part facing the direction of travel, and the truck is run on of the ramp. Thereupon, the ramp and platform 2| may be moved laterally of the roadway to a new position to receive additional trucks to discharge material substantially in correct position so as to avoid the necessity of using manual labor to distribute the material. This lateral movement is accomplished by winding upon the drum 33 at one side and unwinding the cable on the drum at the opposite side. From time to time or as required the rollers 35 are rotated whereby to wind thereupon the cable 31 and thus to advance the subgrader I whereby the blades I2 thereof cut down the rough subgrade I3.

The improved device will thus in no wise interfere with the action of the subgrader and it will cooperate therewith to place the trucks or transit mixers in a convenient and favorable position for the deposit of the concrete material. The construction is such that the trucks may be driven forward both in running the same upon the device and driving the same off the turntable and down the ramp 26.

Referring more particularly to Figs. 1, 3 and 6, platforms 48 are shown with the reinforcing mesh I 'I supported thereon. The platforms 40 are linked, as by the chains or other connections 4I to the subgrader IIJ, as indicated in Figl. The mesh I 'I may be laid on the platforms 40 and, as the pouring of the concrete progresses, the platform or platforms 4I! are drawn from under the mesh.

After the concrete has been poured and the mesh reinforcing installed, the screed member 42 follows, which screeds off the concrete.

The screed is shown more particularly in Fig. 7 and is composed of divided base plates 43 and 44 having the side angle irons 45 and 46, between which are arranged the braces 47. The base plates i3 and 44 are separated and indented, as indicated at 4S; and the angle bars are arched upwardly at a central point between the two base plates, as indicated at 49. At 55 is shown the screeding bar which encounters the concrete, this bar resting upon the base plate 43 and against the vertical web of angle iron d6.

The recessed and arched screed will supply a surplus of material in the center of the road along the joint blade 39a. In both Figs. 6 and 7 the raised central portion of the concrete is indicated at 5I, this raised portion being formed after the screed has passed over the concrete.

While this invention covers the installation of a center joint, provision must also be made to support the heavy machine which rolls on the side forms-particularly the heavy weight which is placed on the side forms when the mixer is run up on the turntable 28. For this use I provide a specially designed form, shown more particularly in Fig. 4, where the top tread 52 of the form is located centrally above the base flange 53 of said form. This provides for an equal distribution of the load on the form. A stake pocket 54 is provided for the stake 55, which is driven into the subgrade or ground. The form is provided on its inner surfaces with a longitudinal rib which produces a longitudinal groove along the edge of the concrete, which concrete is indicated at 57; so that, when additional slabs are constructed adjacent to the edge of the concrete, the same will have an interlocking engagement. Such slab is indicated in Fig. 8 and will be further described. The wheels 54 of the subgrader are adapted to travel upon the tread surface 52 of this improved form.

In Fig. 5 have shown a modified type of side form, in which a bottom form member is provided having a wide base 58. The tread portion 53 is wide so as to permit the wheels 54a having a single flange Ib of the subgrader or other equipment to roll on the structure. The extreme weight of the turntable or subgrader rolling on the tread portion 59 of this bottom form member, will tend to depress the same, and consequently I provide an adjustable rail member 6G carrying a bead 5I adapted to form a groove in the concrete slab 62. The adjustable rail member G carries a depending bolt S2 threaded to receive Sleeve E3. The bolt is adapted to screw through threaded members 64 on the lower form member. The wrench is adapted to extend through a hole in the bolt G2 and also the lower form and to engage beneath the lower edge of the adjustable rail member 65. When the bottom rail 5S is depressed, the bolt member 53 may bc turned, which tends to raise the top tread EU to the proper elevation to compensate for the depression of the subrail 53. It will be understood that this type of form will be used where excessive weights are carried on the structure, the screed member 43a operates on top tread of the adjustable form, which is adjusted to proper elevation to define bie screed line without disturbing the base form In Fig. 6 is shown more fully the platform mesh supports 45, which are linked to the subgrader or other suitable means of trailing by means of the chain or link members 4I. The platforms or mesh spotters 48 are provided with grooved slides 65 through which the mesh Il' is projected and held to the proper longitudinal elevation. These slides or slotted members 65 project rearwardly and enter into the concrete at 66 so that the mesh is held nrmly in position while a truck, containing the concrete, may be run on top of the ramps or platforms 40 for projecting the concrete over the rear ends of the ramps or platforms 40.

A longitudinal joint installing member 39a is attached to the ramps or platforms by bolt or other connection 61 extending through a bracket 68 carried by the ramps or platforms 40. The pin 61 will allow for lateral adjustment. The longitudinal joint blade 39a is projected back into the concrete and beneath the screed member 42.

There is a longitudinal corrugated member 69 attached to the outside of each ramp. This member 69 projects longitudinally along the inside face of the form l5 whereby to produce a groove along the edge of the concrete slab which is formed against such form.

It will be understood that, after the concrete has been deposited and the truck or other vehicle removed from the ramp, the ramps or platforms 40 are trailed forwardly, and the subgrader blades I2 simultaneously cut down the subgrade to the proper depth. At the same time the joint member 39a is trailed through the plastic concrete. The corrugated grooving members 69 are also trailed longitudinally through the concrete, producing a groove along the edge. Thus the mesh is deposited and doWel bars 1U may be also deposited in this way.

The screed member 42 follows progressively back of the pouring. This screed member will preferably be a mechanically operated screed having an eccentric for reciprocating the screed transversely and also connected to the screeding machine, but as these features form no part of the present invention they are not shown herein.

The screed has the arched portion 49, as heretofore referred to. This arched portion may be completely closed on the bottom face so as to prevent any material from projecting through the screed or it may be provided with the opening 48 which will permit surplus mortar to project through the screed to be deposited in the rear of the screed as indicated at 5|, the screed has adjusting screws 41a to vary the arched portion 69; there is an offset X at end of screed to produce a header X--I along the edge of the road.

It is understood that, instead of using transit mixers or trucks for projecting the concrete over the ramps or platforms, standard mixing machines may be used and the ramps thereby trail back of the concrete mixers. The regular boom and bucket discharge may be used for projecting the mixed material over the rear of the ramps for depositing in the roadway.

In Fig. '7 I have shown more fully the opening in the screed, together with the arched members. The rear member of the screed may be raised slightly more than the front member 46. it will be understood that the front member will depress the stone or coarse aggregate below the surface and the nner material will accumulate in the open space 48. As the screed moves forward, the ner material will project in the rear of the screed as shown at 5|. The open space 48 may be provided with sides or braces 41 to retain the surplus of material within this space 48. The position of the joint member 39a is shown in Fig. '7 after the joint installing operation has been completed. 'Ihis elevated joint 5| will eliminate the low joints which have been experienced from time to time where the plain or regular surface type of screeds have been used.

The recess in screed may be varied by adding filler plates 49a secured by bolts or other suitable means 49h.

In Fig. 8 I have shown a slab of concrete mold as it would appear in complete form. The grooves 1l provide a means for interlocking adjacent slabs to the slabs 12. The dOwel bars 10 may be installed by any of the various methods which are in vogue. The raised portion of the `Slab 12 along the longitudinal joint is indicated at 5|. It will be understood that this raised screed member may be used in connection with any type of longitudinal joint.

Referring more particularly to Fig. 9, a lower form member or section is indicated at 88 having a wide base 8| for resting upon the ground, as indicated and formed with a strengthening and reinforcing flange 82. The tread portion of the form is represented at 83 having a downturned reinforcing flange ,84 .at its free edge. At 8.5 is represented the vertical wall of the top adjustable rail having the tread portion 86 and the depending flange 81. This top rail member is adjustable with respect to the lower form section 88, and for this purpose, the top rail carries the yoke bars 88 and 89, which may advantageously be formed in one piece of metal bent into substantially U-shape, with the upper connecting portion secured to the under side of the rail tread 86, as indicated at 90. It may be found desirable to distribute the surplus concrete when installing and nishing the joint So as to avoid depressions as shown at 5|a by spreading the surplus concrete.

The bars 88 and `89 .extend down through a slot 9| made in the tread 83 of the lower form .member 80. Near their lower ends the bars 88 4and 89 carry a cross pin 92 extending through a diagonal Slot 9 3 in a slide 94 which may be of angle iron o r other construction guided by the guideimember 9,5 secured upon the base 8| of the lower form member, and having a lug 96 projecting outwardly to receive blows from a hammer or other instrument for purpose of advancing the slide in the one or other direction. The diagonal or wedge slot 93, engaging the pin 92, will cause the top rail to be moved either up or down with respect to the lower form section 88 in accordance with the direction in which the slide 94 is driven. The top rail is also adjustable laterally, the bars 88 and 89 having a free lateral play in the relatively wide slot 9|.

Between the bars 88 and 89, just above the tread 83, projects a rod 91 having large flat head plates 98 on opposite ends thereof, each plate being provided with a -diagonal slot 99 engaged by a pin |00 projecting up from the tread surface 83. By driving the bar 91 in one or the other direction, this bar will be shifted laterally and will engage the bars 88 and 89, thus causing a limited transverse adjustment of the top rail.

As indicated in Fig. 8, the pins 10, or the projecting portions thereof, may be initially bent down against the concrete slab to avoid interference with the other mechanism in the making of the road. Afterwards these bent ends are straightened out so that they may cooperate with other adjacent slabs.

The arched portion 49 can be sprung or bent by appropriate means to various heights by use of a screw 41a or other suitable means.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new is:

l. An improved road making machine comprising a truck receiving and elevating device positioned above the roadway and movable transversely thereof, and a support for said device.

2. An improved road making machine comprising a beam mounted transversely of the roadway for longitudinal movement therealong, and a platform for receiving trucks transversely movable on said beam.

3. An improved road making machine comprising a beam mounted transversely of the roadway and movable longitudinally thereof, and a turntable for receiving trucks mounted on said beam and movable thereon transversely of the roadway.

4. An improved road making machine comprising a transverse support movable longitudinally of the roadway, a truck receiving device supported on said support for movement transversely of the roadway, and means for effecting transverse movement of said device,

5. An improved road making machine comprising a transverse support extending laterally of the roadway, a truck receiving device mounted on said support for transverse movement, and means supported on the end portions of said support and connected to said device for shifting the same transversely of the roadway.

6. An improved roadway making machine comprising a support extending transversely of the roadway, a truck receiving device supported for lateral movement on said support, and means carried by said device for engaging on opposite sides of said support to steady the movement of the device.

'7. An improved road making machine comprising a support extending transversely of the roadway, a platform thereabove, rollers interposed between said platform and support for sustaining said platform for movement transversely of the roadway, and rollers supported by the forward and rear portion of said platform and engaging at opposite sides of said support for steadying the movement ofthe platform.

8. The method of building concrete roads, consisting in positioning a substantially flat, low platform on the subgrade of a road under construction, laying reinforcing on the platform, a portion of the mesh projecting rearwardly of the platform, running a truck containing mixed concrete over the platform, and discharging the concrete over the reinforcing substantially rearwardly of the platform to submerge the reinforcing and thereafter dragging the platform forward to repeat the operations.

9. A road building apparatus comprising a flat platform to be positioned on the subgrade of a road under construction, surfacing means carried by the platform to level the subgrade, means for dragging the platform longitudinally of the road, a second platform having a ramp like approach atv its forward end to admit trucks to be run on the second platform to discharge mixed concrete over mesh reinforcing supported by the rst platform.

10. An improved road making machine comprising a plurality of horizontally flat platforms placed side by side and resting directly on the subgrade with a space between the same in alinement with the zone of the longitudinal joint, subgrade members carried at the forward portions of said platforms, means to draw said Platforms along the subgrade, supporting means extending upwardly from the platforms and spanning the zone between the platforms, and a joint-groove producing bar pivoted in said supporting means for free vertical movement 1l. An impro-ved road making machine comprising a plurality of horizontally flat platforms placed side by side and resting directly on the subgrade with a space between the same in alinement with the zone of the longitudinal joint, subgrade members carried at the forward portions of said platforms, means to draw said platforms along the sub-grade, supporting means extending upwardly from the platforms and spanning the zone between the platforms, and a joint-groove producing bar pivoted in said supporting means above the upper surfaces of the platforms for free vertical movement and for limited lateral movement.

JOHN N. HELTZEL. 

